Hawzah News Agency- The protests were sparked by the fatal stabbing of Aboubakar Cisse at Hatice Mosque in the town of La Grand-Combe, Gard region on April 25.

The attacker, identified as Olivier H., a French citizen of Bosnian origin, stabbed Cisse dozens of times, and filmed the assault on a phone while shouting insults against Islam.

His death triggered widespread outrage among the Muslim community in the country.

To voice opposition against the increasing Islamophobia in French media and politics, demonstrations took place in major cities, including the capital Paris, Marseille, and Lyon.

Demonstrators criticized French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau's policies targeting migrants and Muslims. The protesters were holding signs, reading "Islamophobia kills. The state and media contribute to it. Let's resist" and "Retailleau, Aboubakar's blood is on your hands''.

They also chanted slogans such as "Stop Islamophobia'', "Paris against fascism'', and "No to Islamophobia''.

Protesters called for justice for Cisse. Many attendees carried Palestinian flags and wore keffiyehs, expressing solidarity with Palestinians.

Source: Anadolu Agency